In variance calculations, SQ x SP represents which concept?

• A. Actual quantity times actual price
• B. Standard quantity times standard price
• C. Standard quantity times actual price
• D. Actual quantity times standard price

Answer: (B)

In variance calculations, SQ x SP is the standard cost allowed for the actual quantity that should have been used, computed using the standard quantity and the standard price. This represents the budgeted cost for the actual level of activity, serving as the benchmark to compare against what was actually spent.

Actual quantity times actual price is the real, observed cost incurred. Mixing standard and actual values (like standard quantity with actual price, or actual quantity with standard price) does not produce the benchmark used for variance analysis, which is why those expressions aren’t the standard cost allowed.